How do you cope with loneliness?

@drewnogal said
It could be their only way of seeming some advice?

@badradger said
as funny as the clap.

@torunn said
It gave us an interesting thread which we can all relate to. 🙂

@wolfe63 said
That is true, though it's important to err on the safe side and and recognize this as a potential cry for help. One never knows another's degree of desperation.

I understand that we may be being played as stooges to another's pathetic trolling: But, unfortunately, suicides are an increasing reality in today's world.

Food for thought.

@very-rusty said
I really don't care what you have to say.

If someone is REALLY looking for help this is the last place to come.

Perhaps it is just attention they are seeking?

-VR

@very-rusty said
Well we are on and off and both took early retirement (lots of spare time) although yours was a little longer ago than mine. It is ok if you can have fun with it and not get too serious, like some who will go unmentioned. 😉

Raining cats & dogs here so don't plan on moving too far today. Nice when you don't have to go out in it if you don't want to. 😉

-VR

@drewnogal said
It could be their only way of seeking some advice?

@wolfe63 said
That is true, though it's important to err on the safe side and and recognize this as a potential cry for help. One never knows another's degree of desperation.

I understand that we may be being played as stooges to another's pathetic trolling: But, unfortunately, suicides are an increasing reality in today's world.

Food for thought.

@divegeester said
Another thought therefore might be to send them a private message of sincere warmth and offering to connect with them on a more sustainable basis.

@very-rusty said
I really don't care what you have to say.

If someone is REALLY looking for help this is the last place to come.

Perhaps it is just attention they are seeking?

-VR

@great-big-stees said
Early retirement? Me? Oh sir you've got that all wrong. I waited for a "few" years after what was the old retirement age (65) before I decided that I wanted a rest...Boy was I wrong, about getting a rest. 🤔 😲

@wolfe63 said
Awwwww...that makes me so very sad Rusty. You're always so full of great feedback and boundless wit.

I bet you're not really the gargantuan loser that you think you are: You're just a tad on the... sore loser side.

Keep up a stiff upper lip... Napoleonino.

@ghost-of-a-duke said
People seek help in strange places. (Nowhere stranger than here).

Despite all my years working with vulnerable people, the person I probably helped most in my life wasn't in a mental health unit or hospital, but in a random meeting on a 329 bus to Turnpike Lane.

My "in person" job is, in part, to take crisis calls for children, ages 18 and under. Most of my work is done without seeing them face to face. This is what I know based on experience:

Everyone defines crisis differently and each definition is valid. Active and empathetic listening are essential to know how to effectively respond. Sometimes I am able to help the individual through the immediate crisis and provide resources which they can access themselves. This helps them build resilience. However, I am very careful to assess vulnerability and whether that person has someone in proximity to help them before I would leave them to this strategy and I always follow up.

Most of the time, I dispatch our mobile crisis team to meet with the individual and family to help stabilize the situation. At times, I have gone out as a member of that team.

At no time during my response would I dismiss a call as a cry for attention...that is already obvious by the very nature of the call...again, active and empathetic listening is the first response, followed by assessment of the situation and choosing a follow up response.

I understand that one might think, "Yes, but you are a trained professional and they are calling a hotline."

Often, people don't have access to the hotline number or not in a state of mind to make the call. Often, it's caring individuals who have started the "work" of active and compassionate listening with the one in crisis wherever they may be--be it a hospital, a home, a street corner, an internet site (and yes, I have responded in that situation), or at a school...

To the opening poster, please know that you are heard and your feelings are valid. There are caring individuals, such as on this site and compassionate professionals who can help. In the US, you can call this number and talk. The professional will forward your call to local in-person help if needed:

National Suicide Hotline
1-800-273-8255

I wish you all the best,

Hakima

@ghost-of-a-duke said
People seek help in strange places. (Nowhere stranger than here).

Despite all my years working with vulnerable people, the person I probably helped most in my life wasn't in a mental health unit or hospital, but in a random meeting on a 329 bus to Turnpike Lane.